Flash: Lots More AB 5 Exceptions
Lots vendors, freelancers, industries, and occupations are on the verge of being exempted from AB 5’s three-part test for independent contractors. What’s in the final version of the bill, who’s exempted, and when might it take effect? Get the details here. Workers’ Comp Executive
Flash: Coronavirus Presumption Becomes Urgency Measure
California’s legislature is sending a COVID-19 presumption bill to Governor Newsom. Where and how will it be triggered? What kinds of employers are involved? Get the full details here. Workers’ Comp Executive
2021 X-Mods will be issued beginning Thursday. Compline has same day service and there is one new classification and three got replaced. Get the details here. Workers’ Comp Executive
Flash: Coronavirus Presumption Bills in Motion
Negotiations continue regarding a COVID-19 presumption. New language was added to all three bills. There’s one stall as a Senator tested positive for the coronavirus. But what do the amendments tell us about the on-going tug-of-war between labor and employers? Get the details by clicking here. Workers’ Comp Executive
Wuhan officials misled Beijing about coronavirus for weeks: US intel
US intelligence reportedly has gathered information showing that officials in Wuhan, China, kept senior officials in Beijing in the dark for weeks about the virus that resulted in the Covid-19 pandemic. While the US continues to collect information about the novel coronavirus outbreak in China, the intelligence contains indisputable evidence of the local cover-up attempt, the officials say. CNN
New York: New program awarding businesses for purchase of PPE
The New York State Insurance Fund this week announced a new a program that rewards businesses for personal protective equipment purchases. Workers’ compensation policyholders can earn up to a $500 credit for qualifying PPE supplies. This includes, goggles, gloves, gowns, hand sanitizer and other COVID-19 safety related items. WENY
Ohio’s local government agencies to get 10 percent cut in workers’ comp premium
As a result of a decline in employee injuries and relatively low inflation in medical costs, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has announced it will cut rates 10 percent for the state’s 3,700 counties, cities, public schools and other public employers in 2021. The cut will save those agencies $14.8 million collectively. Columbus Dispatch
One in four Texas hospital workers denied COVID-19 workers’ comp
According to Texas Department of Insurance Records, more than 1,500 hospital workers in Texas have filed workers’ comp claims related to COVID-19 since March. More than 400 of those were denied. CBS Austin
Virginia House committee votes to expand workers’ comp
Virginia workers scored a preliminary victory in late August when a Virginia House committee approved two bills on workers’ compensation and paid quarantine leave, both major concerns amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility for workers’ compensation has been a major concern for educators as districts consider their reopening plans. Prince William Times
Insurers refuse to pay nearly half of Florida workers’ compensation claims
Data collected by Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis’ office indicates thousands of employees say they’ve been infected with COVID-19, but that insurers have refused to pay nearly half of the workers’ compensation insurance claims filed by first responders, health care professionals and other workers. Most of the denials, or about 62 percent, were made by private insurers that provide coverage to Florida’s employers. Pensacola News Journal
Former Connecticut school employee claims she was illegally fired
A former Bridgeport, Connecticut city school official claims she was illegally fired after being injured in an alleged altercation with a school board member. The lawsuit charges that the plaintiff suffered injuries to her right knee and right hand and subsequently submitted a workers’ compensation claim; and that shortly after she returned to work, members of the school board and its employees engaged in retaliatory conduct against her. Greenwich Time